Our Fiddler, Austin Scelzo, was recently selected as a 2023 Connecticut Arts Hero. 

Read the Bluegrass Today article here

The Connecticut Arts Hero Awards honor and celebrate Connecticut residents who are doing inspiring things in, for, or through the arts in Connecticut. Since 2016, the Connecticut Arts Hero Awards have introduced us to an array of remarkable individuals engaged in or supporting the arts - some publicly and some behind the scenes. The Connecticut Arts Hero Awards are presented at a special, open to all, free event. This evening event is designed to honor and celebrate these inspiring individuals and to reaffirm the significant role the arts play in Connecticut. All Connecticut Arts Heroes are presented with a framed print of the original art — Small State, Big Heart, Great Art —which was created by Hartford Prints! for the Connecticut Office of the Arts

Many of you must know how much this means to me as a lifelong Connecticut resident. I grew up in Wallingford, went to school at Western Connecticut State, worked my first job in the Darien Public Schools, planted firmly in Danbury and resisted the urge to chase excitement in the music industry elsewhere.

For years I watched with some envy as many of my friends moved to Nashville, Boston, NYC, and more. Friends often asked me what kept me in Connecticut, a state not particularly known for its thriving bluegrass and country scene.

I've remained in Connecticut because of my unwavering dedication to a vision. My biggest heroes and inspirations in life were community builders. They planted roots in a community and nurtured them until they blossomed into beautiful realities. I've set out to build something similar to the Ashokan Center, a place that has inspired me for years. I understand that creating something truly transformative often takes decades of patience, commitment, and dedication.

Right now I am in a stage of life where I'm devoted to building a reputation for my passion in education, music, and community. I know that through consistent delivery of quality music education and musical performance, I may one day have the influence to create transformative musical retreats like the ones that first lit the musical spark for me as a teenager!

See Austin's blog post:

-Drawing inspiration from our heroes

-What I've Learned from Music Camps

I Hope you will consider joining me in celebrating the acceptance of the 2023 Arts Hero Award at Infinity Hall, Hartford CT, on Wednesday January 24 at 6PM

"Introducing Austin Scelzo, our very own 2023 Arts Hero hailing from Western Connecticut! The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut has the pleasure of overseeing the selection process for this prestigious award. Among a pool of highly deserving candidates, Austin truly shone with his remarkable achievements and profound influence through music and particularly in the bluegrass community. Austin's dedication to fostering a sense of community is truly commendable, as evidenced by his work in professional development, teaching, advocacy, and his fearless endeavors to inspire others. Congratulations, Austin! To learn more about Austin, visit his website at https://www.austinscelzo.com/.

The Connecticut Arts Hero Awards are presented at a special, open to all, free event. So come and celebrate! This evening event is designed to honor and celebrate these inspiring individuals and to reaffirm the significant role the arts play in Connecticut.

Event Details:

CT Arts Awards

January 24, 2024

Infinity Hall, Hartford, CT

6pm | FREE

The Connecticut Arts Awards serve as a platform to honor and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Connecticut residents who have made a profound impact in, for, or through the arts. Since 2016, the Connecticut Arts Hero Awards have introduced us to an impressive array of individuals who have dedicated themselves to the arts, both in the public eye and behind the scenes.